Ragland’s Purple Devils visit Berry at 7 p.m. Friday for the second round of Class 1A playoffs.  

“They’re a very good football team,” coach Brian Mintz said.  “They’re averaging 50 points a game, so we’ve got to slow that down, play some offense, and take time off the clock.”

Currently ranked third in the state as one of 17 unbeaten teams in any classification, Ragland boasts a 40-point scoring average this season, boosted by a 46-8 pounding of Gaylesville in last week’s playoff opener.

“Things went well for us quickly in that game,” Mintz said.  “The ball got rolling, and it was good in a hurry.  That’s the way we like it.”

It was the Purple Devils’ second defeat of the Trojans this year.  Their defense has only allowed 120 points in 11 games, but Mintz said they’ll have to be at the top of their game to get past Berry.

“They run a lot of different formations.  We’re going to have to be ready to recognize them and get lined up.  We’ve got a lot of work to do this week, but the guys are excited and looking forward to Friday night.  Their attitude is very good, and we’re just going to do what we do.  We’ve made it this far doing it.”